Do you struggle with your skin during your period? Whether it’s just one spot or a massive breakout, we understand the stress they can cause. That’s why we have put together this guide on period skincare and help show ways you can manage your skin throughout your cycle.
Period Skincare
Your hormones fluctuate throughout each stage of your cycle and understanding each of these stages can help you to manage your skin and hormonal acne better.
Menstruation
This is usually days 1-6 of your cycle. During this time it is important to avoid exfoliation and focus on a simple skincare routine that focuses on hydrating your skin. There is a rise in prostaglandins hormone which can cause skin to feel more sensitive and inflamed, and, by the fifth day of your period your skin usually becomes dull, dry and flaky. We have listed some tips below on how to keep your skin looking fresh when you’re on your period!
- Use anti-inflammatory products to help manage breakouts
- Avoid exfoliation and waxing
- Focus on hydration – moisturise!
Follicular Phase
This is during days 7-12 and the best time to be incorporating active ingredients into your skincare routine. During this time oestrogen and collagen levels start to rise, causing the skin to become thicker and more elastic. This is usually when your skin looks its best and has a natural glow! To help prolong this glow, make sure you are using vitamin C.
If there was a new product that a friend had recommended that you were tempted to try, now is the time to! Since this is when your skin is at its best, it’s the ideal time to try out new products.
Make sure you are exfoliating during this phase too with active ingredients to encourage new cell growth and revitalisation.
Ovulation
Ovulation occurs on days 13-16. During this time it would be suggested to book in a facial to help give your pores a deep clean as during the next phase your skin will become much more oily. Exfoliate your skin with AHAs such as glycolic or mandelic acid to help keep your pores free from build up.
Here at Simply Clinics we offer a Mandelic Peel which uses mandelic acid to provide your skin with deep exfoliation, whilst revitalising tired and dull skin. This treatment is a gentle, mild peel, which often results in a deep glow without the physical peeling of skin. It can be used in conjunction with our other treatments, such as Microneedling or Microdermabrasion.
Another stronger peel we offer is the Obagi Blue Peel. This peel contains salicylic, lactic and glycolic acids and works to remove the surface layer of your skin that consists of damage and aged skin, improving its texture and skin tone. It encourages new skin turnover as old dead skin cells are removed leaving healthy cells in place. Take a look at how it works its magic below:
Luteal phase
This is days 17-28 and at the very end of your cycle. Leading up to your period it is recommended to use a cleanser high in salicylic acid. This will help to clean out the pores and get rid of any excess oil. You should also be increasing exfoliating to 2-3 times a week to help stimulate new cell growth and remove the dead skin.
This is also the ideal time to be getting a facial in your cycle. 10-12 days before your period is due to start is the best time. At Simply Clinics we offer our patented GeneO+ Superfacial which is great at targeting pigmentation, dull skin, fine lines, blemishes and oily skin. It uses patented GeneO+ technology, one of the latest cutting edge technologies in the industry, combining a trilogy of treatments; gentle exfoliation, natural skin oxygenation, and deep facial rejuvenation.
Take a look for yourself at how super the Superfacial is!
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